CVE-2018-16587 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An exploitable vulnerability was identified in versions 4.0.x prior to 4.0.32, 5.0.x prior to 5.0.30, and 6.0.x prior to 6.0.11 of Open Ticket Request System (OTRS). By sending a crafted email to an OTRS system, an unauthorized user can trigger the deletion of various files accessible for writing by the OTRS web server user, specifically when the email is accessed by an administrator with elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2018-16587

In Open Ticket Request System (OTRS) 4.0.x before 4.0.32, 5.0.x before 5.0.30, and 6.0.x before 6.0.11, an attacker could send a malicious email to an OTRS system. If a user with admin permissions opens it, it causes deletions of arbitrary files that the OTRS web server user has write access to.

What is CVE-2018-16587?

The vulnerability in OTRS versions allows an unauthorized user to delete files by sending a specially crafted email to the system.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16587

Unauthorized users can delete files accessible to the OTRS web server user.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16587

Vulnerability Description

Attacker-triggered file deletions through malicious emails in OTRS versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions 4.0.x to 4.0.32, 5.0.x to 5.0.30, and 6.0.x to 6.0.11 of OTRS.

Exploitation Mechanism

Crafted emails accessed by privileged administrators lead to file deletions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OTRS to versions 4.0.32, 5.0.30, or 6.0.11 to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor email communications for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls to limit privileges and mitigate risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security updates provided by OTRS to address the vulnerability.